Obituary - Judith Sue Tuchman

JudySue died at 6:05 this morning from complications related to ovarian cancer. She had not allowed me to post anything publicly concerning her illnesses for the last year; only a few people were aware of the actual diagnoses.

She was born September 9, 1942 as Judith Sue Blinn, in Stamford, CT. We met in 1979 or 80, both members of Metropolitan Washington Mensa, and married October 9, 1988.

She had 25 years as a Federal employee, retiring from the US Treasury Department, where she was a microcomputer specialist and technician on December 31, 2002. We moved to Orlando in September 2003.

Judy's eyesight was going bad, and she was scheduled for cataract surgery this past January, but due to illness it had to be cancelled. In April the eye doctor said she was legally blind. That is why for about the last year nobody has seen her on any boards; she couldn't read the screen.

Her original diagnoses of cancer was in Janaury, where she spent 22 days in various hospitals. At that time she was told that with massive surgery and chemotherapy she might live two or three months. She spent another two weeks in hospitals as a result of pnemonia in February. At the end of June we fired the Hospice, as they were no longer needed.

In July, Judy was well enough to go with me to New York for my mother's 90th birthday party. She started going downhill again about a month ago.

We found that we both loved Disney. She has had many friends on the boards and met many of them in the parks. Her last major activity was the Pin Event in September. We also worked with some out of town friends to set up and run the First Ever Unofficial Disneyana Non-Convention within the last two weeks; Judy was able to attend a few of the functions, but had to cancel from others as she was not well enough to attend.

She was admitted to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando this past Wednesday, where they were trying some new chemotherapy and intraveneous nutrition. Late last night they moved her to the ICU because of decreasing blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

I can't say that I didn't expect it, and she did live about seven months longer than expected. My major problem now is telling the cat she won't be home again.

When we saw Judy at the figment release..(I mean Judy wasn't about to miss anything figment was she??) I knew she didn't look well, and we have prayed that she would pick back up..

I have to say how brave she was, as weak as she was, and how hard it must have been for her, I didn't once hear her complain..I remember when the wait in the line was so long, she wouldn't let me get anyone to let you guys go first, so she could go home, she insisted on waiting like evryone else...

I know how close the two of you were, and my thoughts and prayers are w/ you...she was a special lady, and a very brave lady, and she will be missed....

Mike,
I will miss Judy. She was one of the most thoughtful, besides yourself, this past Sept. when I came to WDW just after my diagnosis.
Judy spent a good 1/2 hour talking to me and helping me accept my diagnosis all the while she had worse growing in her. She was never selfish, always thinking of others.
I wish there could have been a better outcome for her but I hope she is at peace now and without pain.
You will have the hardest time now dealing with your lonliness but please let me know if you ever need to talk. I will try and be there for you the way Judy was for me. Peggie

Mike, we love you and Judy and we will miss her. We did have the privilege of spending time with both of you at the Sept Pin Event. We send you our prayers and our love. Judy was some tough cookie....and so brave.
Michele & Milton

We were so very sorry to hear about Judy Sue's passing. We greatly enjoyed the times we spent with both of you at the Disneyana conventions and pin meets and will miss her. You will both be in our prayers.

Mike....please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved wife. I met Judy Sue only once, at the Rose and Crown with Katheryn. She was sweet and helpful to a new trader. I'll remember her kindness.........
Charlene

Mike - my husband and I send our condolences to you on the passing of Judy Sue. We only had the pleasure of meeting you both at the CT Fall pin meet last year. My husband is an avid Figment lover and you had some neat things to give him.
We will keep you in our prayers. Caroline